500 Ferraris Against Cancer 2012 combines track fun, fundraising

August 26, 2012

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The 18th edition of “500 Ferrari contre le cancer,” otherwise known as Sport et Collection, was another big success. Having taken place earlier this summer at Le Vigeant circuit in the Vienne region of western France, it is the biggest yearly Ferrari gathering in Europe and has been a success for almost two decades. Having fun on the track and raising money for a good cause is a good combination.

All proceeds from the gate, sponsorships, vendor fees and the charity auction go to the CHU hospital in nearby Poitiers to fund cancer research. But the masterstroke is that the public pays 25 euros to ride in Ferraris, as well as other sports cars, and the vast majority of participating owners willingly show up at the end of pit lane, where three lines are formed with marshals helping the unfamiliar fit into those low cockpits and strap them in. It looks like the taxi line at JFK, but the money comes in fast, all of it is donated to the hospital, and everybody feels good about contributing to a worthy cause.

There used to be a round of the Ferrari Historic Challenge, but since the cancellation of the series, the weekend is full of a variety of performance cars. Several F1 cars and four mighty Ferrari 333SPs were on hand, one being driven by Ferrari Grand Prix star René Arnoux. There were sessions for beginners in 360 Modenas, 328GTBs and everything in between. Prompt turnaround between sessions ensures plenty of track time on what is a modern, fast and technical circuit.

The vast majority of Ferraris in attendance were production models from the past 25 years coming from all over Europe. However, a French importer brought in the F12 for its French premiere, along with cars from the entire model range. They weren't far from a 250GTO, guarded like Mona Lisa, and the Ferrari Classic booth with an ex-Alberto Ascari 1950s F1 car but without its staff, alas kept in Maranello by the earthquakes.

Major draws were a 1971 Ferrari 512M, veteran racer David Piper's 250LM and 330P4 continuation, an FIA GT 575 Maranello, no less than eight 250GT Lussos, several 275GTBs, Daytonas and 246GTs as well as more than 20 F40s celebrating the 25th anniversary of the model.

Non-Ferraris included F1 cars from Tyrrell, Lola and Tecno with an amazing Pederzani V12; an Alfa Romeo 179 raced by Mario Andretti and Bruno Giacomelli—with pole at Watkins Glen—a GT40; a Can-Am McLaren M1B; an amazing Howmet Turbine car seen at Le Mans in 1966; a Jaguar C-type and 14 XK120s and 140s; a McLaren F1; and three new MP4-12Cs.

Maseratis were well-represented, as were Porsches, Lotuses, a few Lamborghinis, Corvettes, Cobras and Vipers, making for a packed paddock at the center of which sat an art de vivre relaxation area with live music and a champagne bar where pretty demoiselles danced till late: Vive la France!

Local fare included a rare and cute Deutsch Bonnet, a Facel Vega, a Berlinette Alpine A110 and A310 and an MVS Venturi, as well as Le Mans Inaltera 1976 Pescarolo and Courage LMP cars and a 1989 Larrousse F1 car raced by Michele Alboreto.

The event also featured a 200-car touring rally on challenging, traffic-free roads in gorgeous hilly countryside that included spirited driving and lunch at a spectacular castle.

Each year the event generates upwards of 300,000 euros. A fun event for a great cause.